Table top



J.' TRAFICANTE Dec. 7,1937.

TABLE TOP Filed Jan. 25, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 J seph 77 afz'canze ATTORNEYS Dec. 7, 1937. J. TRAFICANTE 2,161,725

TABLE TOP Filed Jan. 25, 1937 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Dec. 7, 1937 PATENT OF -ice TABLE TOP Joseph Traficante, IIoboken, N. J.

ApplicationJanuary 25, 1937, Serial No. 122,255

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to articlesof furniture such as tables, cabinets and the like and more particularly to the top structures of such articles wherein same is extensible to form an enlarged surface.

-It is the general aim of this invention to 'provide a top member for tables and similar structures,ithe novel arrangement of which permits of enlargement of same to present a substantially greater area, at the same time maintaining a similar proportion, thus presenting a table structure forinstance, readily adaptable to a wide variety of-uses. a 7

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a table top which may be extended at will to form a surface of larger proportional area than that normally had, or may be altered with equal facility to define a top surface of various proportions or outlines, such for example as converting the table top from a normally 0blong or rectangular form to that of a square or substantially equilateral outline.

The invention will be fully and comprehensively understood from a consideration of the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings which form part of the application.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the table top of the invention in normal or contracted size,

Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 but illustrating the table top in expanded condition,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the under side of the table as illustrated in Figure 2,

Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are plan views of the table top in various adjustmentsand illustrating the manner of arranging the table in different proportions; Figure 4 being a plan view of the table top as shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 illustrating the top enlarged lengthwise; Figure 6 showing the top enlarged in both length and width dimensions; and Figure '7 illustrating the top converted to a square outline.

In the physical embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings same comprises a table top defining a substantially rectangular outline, the same being divided on a diagonal line thereby defining separable triangular panels adapted to be'separated so as to admit therebetween a supplemental panel converting the tabletop to that of a larger area of constant proportion or variable to present a table top of r as indicated at different outline by the substitution of "other supplemental leaves therein.

Reference isnow had to the accompanying drawings for a more detailed description thereof and particularly to Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 1 the tabletop is shown in normal condition, being of a minimum size. It will be observed that the table top comprises a pair of complementa'l panels B and 9, the same abutting each other along a diagonal line ID. The panels 8 and 9, in association with each other, form a table top preferably of oblong outline although it will be understoodthat same may define any rectangular shape desired.

By referenceto Figure 2 it will be seen that the panels 8 and 9 are separable along the joint l8 and may be spaced apart to define a parallel space between the diagonal edges thereof. Into the space between the edges I0 is inserted a supplemental leaf II which may be constructed in one piece and is preferably formed of a series of panels hingedly or otherwise suitably connected at their abutting edges.

It will be observed that the table top comprising the panels 8 and 9 may be supported on any suitable structure. In the physical embodiment illustrated the structure shown is that of a table including a frame l2 upon which the top is disposed and a plurality of uprights or legs I3 secured to the frame l2. To facilitate adjustment of the panels 8 and 9 to the desired spacing and at the same time to afford intermediate support for the supplemental leaf l I, suitable cleats I4 are provided. The cleats l4 preferably present an extensible structure including for example a pair of slidably associated members, the respective ends of which are secured to the panels 8 and 9. By reference to Figures 4 to 7 inclusive it will be noted that the panels 8 and 9 may form table tops of various outlines. Accordingly it is desired that the panels 8 and 9 be movable in any direction relative to each' other in a horizontal plane. To provide for such adjustment the members comprising the cleats l4 have their respective ends pivotally secured to the panels 8 and 9 l5. From this it will be seen that the panels 8 and 9 may be separated at will to'admit the supplemental leaf ll therebetween, during which adjustment the cleats [4 are extended to provide intermediate support'for the leaf ll.

A comparison between Figures 4 and 6 will serve to illustrate the manner of enlarging the table top without changing the general proportions of the same. It will be noted that the supplemental leaf N shown in Figure 6 has its respective ends formed to increase the aggregate length of both the longitudinal sides as well as the ends of the table top. In this instance the separation of the panels 8 and 9 is effected in a direction substantially at right angles to the divisional line 10. It will be understood by further reference to Figure 6 that, by slightly varying the dimensions of the respective ends of the leaf II, the proportions of the enlarged toparea may be varied to suit the requirements, such for example as will be apparent by reference to Figure 5.

In Figure 5 it will be observed that the table top, as compared with Figure 4, has been substantially enlarged only in the longitudinal dimension. This change is accomplished by providing a supplemental leaf! 5' having longitudinal edges adapted to abut the edges ID in similar manner to the leaf I I but in which the end edges are so disposed as to prolong the longitudinal edges of the respective panels 8 and 9.

The table top may be converted to define a substantially square-outline as illustrated in Figure 7. In this instance a supplemental leaf I! is employed in which the end edges are of such spacing and angular relation so as to prolong the lateral edges of the panels 8 and 9. In this manner a normally oblong table, as shown in Figure 4, may be converted to that of a square by the insertion of the supplemental leaf ll between the diagonal edges of these panels.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 inclusive it will be noted that the extensible cleats l4, having their ends pivotally connected to the panels 8 and 9 will readily accommodate supplemental leaves of varying proportions to permit the adjustment of the table top to the desired proportion'or shape.

It is to be understood that this improvement is capable of extended application and is not confined to the exact showing of the drawings nor to the precise construction described and, therefore, such changes and modifications may be made therein as do not affect the spirit of the invention nor exceed the scope thereof as expressed in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An extensible top member for an article of furniture comprising a pair of panels jointly defining a top of substantially rectangular outline,

the line of juncture of said panels being diagonal of said rectangle, said panels being separable along said diagonal line to admit therebetween a top leaf to eiiect the prolongation of certain edges of said top to increase its size in one direc-' tion only.

2; An extensible top member for an article of furniture comprising a pair of panels jointly defining a substantially rectangular outline, the line of juncture of said panels being diagonal of said rectangle said panels being separable alongvrsaid diagonal line to admit therebetween a top leaf to effect the enlargement of the area of said top member, and supporting means for the leaf comprising a'series of extensible cleats having their respective ends pivotally secured. to, said panels.

'JOSEPH TRAFICAN'I'E. 

